We may see the end of protected music downloads, but it won't be Apple's doing, argues columnist Bill Thompson. (http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/technology/6353889.stm)

I agree with a few of the things he says. This article basically summarizes the authors view of Apple since the announcement of the iPhone.

That's an interesting one.

Drop DRM and digital music sales rise (benefit itunes)
Drop DRM and suddenly iPods are quite as desirable (big down on iPod)

Since iPod makes the money, I tend to agree with the author.

I disagree a little bit. The iPod is not popular because of iTunes. I think it is the other way around - iTunes is popular because of the iPod. I don't think it is easy to predict what will happen when the iPod and iTunes aren't an integrally related, but I think most people will maintain the status quo. People are just starting to figure out online music - if they like the iPod, chances are they'll use iTunes for simplicity if nothing else...

edit: Of course Apple will have to improve their Windows version of iTunes...

I agree with JonO -- the iTunes Music Store is successful BECAUSE of the iPod. I have an iPod but have never bought anything from the store -- my iPod choice had nothing to do with the music store. But iTunes (the program) makes it easy to visit iTunes (the store) so that's where people go.

I also agree. If in fact they do lose some iPod sales by opening up the iTunes store (I doubt this), they would more than make up for the decline by harvesting other mp3 player sales. For example, all the people who chose not to buy an iPod because they wanted to use a WMA DRM protected music store would now have the option of using an iPod.

The iPod is popular because it has a great user interface, simple connectivity, and it is perceived as cool.